JOHOR BARU: The State health and Unity Committee has call for urgent action to prevent the spread of dengue cases in the state, which has recorded a substantial increase over the past few years.
Its chairman Ling Tian Soon said there were 2,073 cumulative cases up to the 14th epidemiological week this year, compared to 295 in the same period last year.
This was an increase of 496 per cent compared to the same period in 2022, which recorded 34 dengue cases.
Of the total number of reported cases, 721 cases (34.8 per cent) were epidemic locality cases while 1,352 cases (65.2 per cent) were non-epidemic locality cases.
There were 166 cases of dengue fever reported, an increase of 11.4 per cent compared to the previous week with 149 cases.
Ling said Johor Baru district had the highest number with 112 cases, which was 67.5 per cent of the total cases reported in the state, followed by 21 cases in Kulai, Kota Tinggi 11, five cases respectively in Batu Pahat and Kluang, four in Segamat, Muar (three), two cases respectively in Mersing and Pontian and one case in Tangkak.
All districts reported an increase in cases in the 14th epidemiological week compared to the 13th epidemiological week, except for Pontian and Batu Pahat.
Although there were no fatalities reported state-wide in the 14th epidemiological week, there were two deaths cumulatively thus far, recording an increase of 200 per cent against the same period last year.
He said the increase in dengue cases in Johor was a cause for concern, and urged all parties to take steps to control the spread of the disease.
"While relevant authorised agencies have been conducting regular fogging operations to kill mosquitoes and their larvae, I hope members of the public will take steps to prevent dengue too.
"One of the most effective ways to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes is to ensure there is no stagnant water around the house. This can be done by regularly checking and emptying any containers that may collect water, such as flower pots, buckets, and old tires," he said.